[Dunner97074]

You could use an open frame stand with a pot on the floor. The branches could extend from the pot to the bottom of the tank. Somehow use the branches to cover the legs of the stand. If done right it will give the appearance of a bottomless tank. I've done this before (For my Ig when he was small) the only snag is hiding the bottom frame of the tank. Just an idea? If you plexi'ed in the bottom and used small lights you can use the base to house the developing plant/moss and food stuff. I'd love to see pics when done. Good luck

 

[Guest]

Dunner, what you said sounds cool...but I'm not really grasping what you're describing (I'm a pretty visual learner). Mind explaining it a bit more?

 

[Guest]

skylsdale, why don't you cut a nice looking log in half and place the flat side on the bottom of the tank, which would give the appearence of a branch below your main one.

however, since you sound like you intend on making this a serious project I would rather recommend this: build a custom tank similiar in shape to the huge dispay viv on the intro page to blackjungle.com. This is really the best approach to build a nice panaramic arboreal scene. And then of coure apply your idea of securing branches to the side.

Dustin

 

[jbeetle]

The cut log is the same thing I was suggesting about the cork bottom. With the cork you could fill in the bottom with substrate/moss/leca and easily plant on/in it. Just make some hole through it and put you plants in it. It would last longer them a log form outside, that's why I suggested in instead of some other type of wood.

 

[Uncle Sal]

In using that 55gal, I definetely wouldnt us a false bottom throuhout. It would kill at least 2-5 inches of height in the tank. I would either put eggcrate in the back half, gravel in the front.

option B
Or drill a drain whole that leads to a sump, and fill the bottom of your 55 with gravel, put hanging braches all over. Maybe some small land patches in the rear. Then dont forget to put a pump in the sump to return water to the tank, and that can be used as a waterfall.

 

[Guest]

That cut log is something I was thinking about, and just tried with a rotting piece I collected...but it's not nearly long enough to look believeable. I started this thread on an orchid discussion board as well, since that was my original plan to use the display for. I may focus more right now on what the plants need and go from there, and if this is successful, figure out how the system can be tweaked or reproduced in a way that it more suitable for keeping frogs. I've got an 80 gal tank (48x18x21) I may mess around with as well, which might make things a bit more interesting visually as there is more depth and height to work with.

 

[Guest]

After viewing more pictures of rain and cloudforest, I noticed that there are a lot of times where branches, aerial roots, etc. seem to create a jumble of wood and debris, so I tried doing that a bit in the 80 gal. Let me know what you think (my only problem right now is the straightness and angle of the bottom branch, but I might saw that a bit and move it around):

 

[mbrutger]

Looks great!

 

[Ryan]

Great idea, and great so far!

 

[Guest]

Thanks guys! I busted a branch on one of the larger pieces as I was adjusting things...so I had to remodel a bit. Here is the new configuration, which I like MUCH better:

The planting plan is to stick to a single species of orchid (but multiple specimens) and then a few various broms, ferns, and mosses and just let them take over. If I move this tank upstairs, the temps will be perfect for frogs and more tropical/temperate orchid and plants species. However, if I set it up down in the basement, the temperatures will actually be more conducive to cloud forest type plants, cooler growing orchids. At that point the possibility of frogs would be pretty nil.

 

[Ryan]

I'd go for java moss of course, prolly get the nicest effect from it, and it will probally grow fast. As for orchids, i would look at bulbophyllum, they are just my favorite, i have several species and they are great, Fascinator is my favorite flower so far, you should check em out!

 

[Guest]

Thanks Ryan. If I go for a warmer enclosure I'll probably look at Bulbos. If I go with cool, there are a few Masdevallias and Pleurothallids I'll be looking into.

 

[Ryan]

Andy's has some warmer growing Pleurothallids, and masdevilliaz, not many but some.

 

[Dunner97074]

Hey it's looking pretty good. The one straight branch looks out of place. I'd consider taking it out. But that's just my opinion. It doesn't have the flow of the others.

As far as my previous post, think of it this way, your viv starts at floor height and the branches climb toward the tank. the tank would be encompassing the canopy. You can use other branches to cover the frame of the stand and the tank. Just an idea. It's kind of like taking the canopy and just putting a tank somewhere in the middle. I did it twice, once it looked cool but I couldn't duplicate the same effect again.

But good luck and keep the pics coming.
Mike

 

[Guest]

I know what you mean about that straight branch--it's bugging me as well. However, it has a few smaller branches that come off it that helps to break things up vertically, as well as support the branch above it. I'm thinking I might apply some knots or other branches just to make it look less straight and give the impression of more curves and bumps. hopefully, when things grow in, it won't even be that noticeable.

 

[Guest]

i think that this has the potential for a wicked cool vivarium!

Since you have a lot of vertical space to work with and are going for a cooler temp, you should look into some pitcher plants (nepthenes sp?) they dangle traps down from the main plant and some species are eyephites (sp?) as well.

as far as ruling out darts, understandable, but maybe you could find some other frogs suited to that climate or even lizards of some type. would be a shame to see such a beautiful environment like that with no herps to enjoy it

 

[Dancing frogs]

I don't know how cool you're basement gets, or how cool you're vivarium in you're basement will get, with the lights and all. Gold mantellas like it cool, or maybee salamanders, they like it really cool 8) .

 

[Guest]

Right now, temps in a tank down there don't get above 70*F...and drop down into the low 60's at night. Once the snow flies, maybe even the high 50's.

 

[Guest]

Hi,

be carreful with the mold imported on woods... I have one tank where all plants are killed by a mold came from the wood...

Do you treat it before to use?
hydrogen peroxide is a good way :wink:

 

[Guest]

Dancing Frogs, I just did a little searching around for Mantella information, and there are a few species from higher elevations that would probably do well if the tank were down in the basement. I might be leaning more toward these guys, instead. However, the plan of the tank will change depending on the habitat of the species I may choose (only looks like there is one or two species of arboreal Mantella...and I'm assuming they're not that common in the trade).

URBAN, sterilizing isn't something I usually do. I don't mind a little 'filth' in the tank, but you're right about mold: I don't want it to take over an entire orchid collection that I might put in there. I scrub some of the nastier bark off and any molds or mildews I see get a quick spray of the house and scrub, but beyond that I don't really sweat it. I allow for a little 'natural selection' to go on in my tanks. However, I might give that Hydrogen peroxide a try. Do you just treat the mold itself, or give the entire piece a scrubdown?